Beyond its value as a Russian stronghold in 'enemy' territory, Kaliningrad is useful because of its commanding position along the Suwałki Gap, a very narrow and hard-to-defend strip of land that is the only passage from Kaliningrad to Belarus, a Russian ally.

What is the importance of Kaliningrad?

Kaliningrad is still of great strategic importance to Moscow. It houses the Russian Baltic Fleet at the port of Baltiysk and is the country's only ice-free European port.

Why is Kaliningrad such an important Russian port?

As a major transport hub, with sea and river ports, the city is home to the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy, and is one of the largest industrial centres in Russia.